Life and Work with Dana Birke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Birke.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always think of myself as the most unlikely jewelry designer! I was an English Major in college who went on to become an English teacher, and in my life’s next iteration, a personal chef. I had always loved words and food so those career paths seemed obvious, but I never thought my penchant for sparkly pretty things would ever become a profession! When I look back on photos of myself as a child, I was always, always wearing jewelry. I just never dreamed that I would actually make it!

 The actual path that got me here is quite serendipitous and a bit “woo woo”. Twelve years ago, I was in my favorite jewelry store chatting with the owner and she was randomly telling me about her internship program. By and large, it involved college students (which I was not!) and I remember thinking, “What a beautiful space this is! How lucky those girls are!” Literally, the next day I went to my psychic healer. I was so tired of being a chef and was looking for some direction and she said I see you being a jewelry designer! Two weeks later, my husband bought me a gift certificate at a beautiful bead shop (coincidentally owned by the same woman) and suffice it to say I did indeed eventually become one of those interns, worked in her shop for four years and then went out on my own!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road but honestly, what road is?! It took me a while to find my own ‘voice’ as it were; to find the style that represented me and my vision while remembering the bottom line. I always remind myself that while I’m creating jewelry that I love, I must also try to create pieces that people want to buy! Otherwise, I’m just making the largest jewelry box in the world!

 The hardest part, however, is just getting your name out there and finding outlets for your jewelry; whether that’s in a retail store, website or at markets. There is a LOT of rejection involved! Truly, you just have to keep at it and work hard. I know that sounds pathetically trite but it’s true! I know there are other designers out there with more skills in their hands than I have, and I know I’ve met with more success than some of them and I truly think it’s because I have worked really hard to create a pleasing brand and to show up at markets, etc. year after year, and bring my work to life!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dana Birke Designs Jewelry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Gems, gems, gems! I am all about the gems. I can’t help myself; I love the colors and the sparkle. If I don’t have the exact gem that someone is looking for, I find it!

 “I know a guy !” (LOL)

 The two adjectives I get most often when people are looking at my work are “sweet and delicate”. I think the biggest compliment I’ve ever received is when someone at a market was looking around and said, “Your jewelry looks just like you.” Quite frankly, nothing else will come out of my hands! I’ve actually tried to create things with a little more ‘weight’ and they just don’t seem right.

 One of the things that I’m most proud of in my business is my absolute commitment to customer service! If something breaks, I’ll fix it. Lengthen it, shorten it, swap out a stone, I’m your girl! If I can’t meet a customer’s needs, I’ll send them to someone who can. I also LOVE being able to surprise people with little gifts. If someone is going through something difficult, I like to surprise them with a piece of jewelry just as a show of love and support.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Do not be daunted by the naysayers! It takes some time to grow thicker skin but it’s necessary. Last week, I literally had a woman I know from my gym (where I regularly have wonderful trunk shows) tell me all about her brother-in-law in Montana and how successful he is, people come from all around to buy his jewelry., blah blah blah. She ended her uninvited rant with (and I quote), “So, there’s hope for you yet.” Do not let these people undermine you! But as I said before, work hard, really hard!

Contact Info:

• Address: 1178 Lee Hill Drive
  Boulder, CO 90302
• Website: Danabirkedesigns.com
• Phone: 303-359-9184
• Email: danabirkedesigns@gmail.com
• Instagram: @danabirkedesigns
• Facebook: Danabirkedesigns

Image Credit:
Personal image photo credit to Firefly Handmade Markets LLC.

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